For decades, PSIS Semarang has been one of Central Java’s most storied football institutions — a club with deep community roots, a fiercely loyal supporter base, and a proud identity tied closely to the city it represents. But recent years have tested that legacy. Declining performances, instability at the management level, and a fall into the Indonesian Championship have placed the Laskar Mahesa Jenar in one of the most difficult periods of their modern history.
Against this backdrop, the club has now entered a new chapter.
On November 17, Semarang entrepreneur Datu Nova Fatmawati was officially introduced as the new majority shareholder of PSIS Semarang’s holding company, PT Mahesa Jenar Semarang (MJS), after acquiring 74.2% of the company’s shares. The confirmation — reported across outlets such as iNews Semarang, IDN Times, Suara Semarang, and Detik — marks one of the most significant ownership transitions the club has undergone in the past decade.
In several interviews following her introduction, Datu Nova explained that her decision to step into PSIS leadership was driven by personal and emotional ties. Her late father was a supporter of the club, and she described her investment as a continuation of that connection and a responsibility to help preserve the institution he admired.
This presents a stark contrast to PSIS’s recent history, which has been shaped heavily by political influence and shifting priorities within the previous leadership. The club’s struggles — on and off the pitch — have often been viewed by supporters as part of a period marked by reduced investment, declining performance, and the instability that followed political setbacks for key figures associated with the club.
The state of PSIS at the time of the takeover reflects the cumulative impact of that turbulence. After their relegation from Liga 1, the club has struggled to find rhythm in the Indonesian Championship, with poor results and thinning attendances at the Jatidiri Stadium. The Mahesa Jenar are currently winless in all of their 11 matches so far with only two points from two draws to their name and if things continue this way PSIS are facing a realistic chance of suffering a second-straight relegation into the third tier.
This instability extends beyond the pitch. For the past few seasons PSIS has faced numerous operational challenges, from reduced financial strength to internal changes in management. For supporters, these issues have reinforced the perception that PSIS has been drifting, unable to escape the shadow of politics or establish a clear long-term vision.
PSIS’ poor financial and operational state since relegation meant that the Mahesa Jenar could not hold onto their established stars. The likes of Alfreandra Dewangga, Gali Freitas, Adi Satryo and Septian David Maulana have left for greener pastures, with Delvin Rumbino, Rizky Darmawan, and Syiha Buddin the only recognizable names left in a squad now consisting mostly of inexperienced youngsters, free agents, and has-beens.
Datu Nova’s arrival signals the start of a restructuring phase aimed at reversing this slide. She intends to implement a comprehensive overhaul beginning January 2026, ranging from management reorganization to improvements in squad composition and coaching leadership. Her early statements have consistently emphasized the need to restore stability and professionalism throughout the club.
Her challenge is immediate and visible. In the first match attended by the new ownership, PSIS suffered a heavy defeat — a 4-0 loss at home to Persipura Jayapura on November 18 . The result underscored the scale of the work ahead and reinforced the urgency for change. And Datu Nova have acted swiftly in her revolution, with head coach Ega Raka Galih, who had only taken charge since October, being axed immediately after the thrashing from Persipura.
One aspect of the takeover that quickly drew attention is Datu Nova’s marriage to Fariz Julinar Maurisal, the CEO and president of Persela Lamongan. This caused concerns from some Persela supporters about potential conflicts of interest.
Fariz has publicly addressed these concerns, stating that the two clubs will be managed independently and that Persela’s operations will not be influenced by his wife’s involvement with PSIS. He also indicated plans to meet with Persela supporter groups to prevent misunderstandings — an effort to maintain transparency.
The arrival of Datu Nova marks a significant turning point, but the future of PSIS Semarang depends on more than a change in ownership. It requires restoring confidence within the club, reestablishing direction, and rebuilding the bond between the institution and its supporters.
What is clear — from the emotional reasons behind her investment to her early stated plans — is that the new owner enters with intent and responsibility. Whether PSIS can rise again will depend on how effectively these intentions translate into action, stability, and long-term vision.
For a club with such deep roots in Semarang’s identity, the task ahead is monumental — but the opportunity for renewal has finally arrived.